Interactions Between Chronic Stress and Chronic Consumption of Caffeine on the Enzymatic Antioxidant System

We studied the effect of chronic caffeine on parameters related to oxidative stress in different brain regions of stressed and non-stressed rats. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (receiving water), caffeine 0.3 g/L and caffeine 1.0 g/L (in the drinking water). These groups were subdivided into non-stressed and stressed (repeated restraint stress during 40 days). Lipid peroxide levels and the total radical-trapping potential were assessed, as well as antioxidant enzyme activities superoxide dismutase, gluthatione peroxidase, and catalase in hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex. Results showed interactions between stress and caffeine, especially in the cerebral cortex, since caffeine increased the activity of some antioxidant enzymes, but not in stressed animals. We concluded that chronic administration of caffeine led, in some cases, to increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. However, these effects were not observed in the stressed animals.     

Ascorbic acid prevents acute myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in rats: role of inducible nitric oxide synthase production

The goal of this study was to investigate whether sub-chronic anti-oxidant treatment with ascorbic acid (Vit C) is able to protect the heart against myocardial infarction. The effects of Vit C treatment on the histopatological changes and immunohistochemistry for p53, COX-2 and iNOS were evaluated in rats submitted to acute myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol (ISO). Male Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, ISO treated; group 3, Vit C treated; group 4, ISO + Vit C treated. An amount of 150 mg/kg of isoproterenol was administered for two consecutive days. The rats were treated with Vit C once a day (150 mg/kg, orally) for seven consecutive days. In the day 5 and 6 the rats from group ISO + Vit C were submitted to acute administration of ISO third minutes after Vit C treatment. The results pointed out that treatment with Vit C showed mild degenerative changes of myocardial tissue in ISO group. Also, the antioxidant was able to decrease the iNOS expression in rats treated with Vit C. Taken together, our results suggest that chronic Vit C administration was able to prevent the myocardial infarction induced by ISO as a result of iNOS downregulation. Certainly, this finding offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying the relation between oxidative stress and cardiac mortality after myocardial infarction.     

Long-term behavioral and neuroendocrine alterations following chronic social stress in mice: implications for stress-related disorders

The period of adolescence is characterized by a high vulnerability to stress and trauma, which might result in long-lasting consequences and an increased risk to develop psychiatric disorders. Using a recently developed mouse model for chronic social stress during adolescence, we studied persistent neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of chronic social stress obtained 12 months after cessation of the stressor. As a reference, we investigated immediate effects of chronic stress exposure obtained at the end of the chronic stress period. Immediately after the 7 week chronic stress period stressed animals show significantly increased adrenal weights, decreased thymus weight, increased basal corticosterone secretion and a flattened circadian rhythm. Furthermore, stressed animals display an increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and the novelty-induced suppression of feeding test. Hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA levels were significantly decreased. To investigate persistent consequences of this early stressful experience, the same parameters were assessed in aged mice 12 months after the cessation of the stressor. Interestingly, we still found differences between formerly stressed and control mice in important stress-related parameters. MR expression levels were significantly lower in stressed animals, suggesting lasting, possibly epigenetic alterations in gene expression regulation. Furthermore, we observed long-term behavioral alterations in animals stressed during adolescence. Thus, we could demonstrate that chronic stress exposure during a crucial developmental time period results in long-term, persistent effects on physiological and behavioral parameters throughout life, which may contribute to an enhanced vulnerability to stress-induced diseases.     

Self-Stimulation Rewarding Experience Restores Stress-Induced CA3 Dendritic Atrophy,Spatial Memory Deficits and Alterations in the Levels of Neurotransmitters in the Hippocampus

Chronic restraint stress causes spatial learning and memory deficits, dendritic atrophy of the hippocampal pyramidal neurons and alterations in the levels of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. In contrast, intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) rewarding behavioral experience is known to increase dendritic arborization, spine and synaptic density, and increase neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus. In addition, ICSS facilitates operant and spatial learning, and ameliorates fornix-lesion induced behavioral deficits. Although the effects of stress and ICSS are documented, it is not known whether ICSS following stress would ameliorate the stress-induced deficits. Accordingly, the present study was aimed to evaluate the role of ICSS on stress-induced changes in hippocampal morphology, neurochemistry, and behavioral performance in the T-maze. Experiments were conducted on adult male Wistar rats, which were randomly divided into four groups; normal control, stress (ST), self-stimulation (SS), and stress + self-stimulation (ST + SS). Stress group of rats were subjected to restraint stress for 6 h daily over 21 days, SS group animals were subjected to SS from ventral tegmental area for 10 days and ST + SS rats were subjected to restraint stress for 21 days followed by 10 days of SS. Interestingly, our results show that stress-induced behavioral deficits, dendritic atrophy, and decreased levels of neurotransmitters were completely reversed following 10 days of SS experience. We propose that SS rewarding behavioral experience ameliorates the stress-induced cognitive deficits by inducing structural and biochemical changes in the hippocampus.     

Lycopene is superior to moringa in improving fertility markers in diet-induced obesity male rats

Obesity is a condition of chronic tissue inflammation and oxidative stress that poses as a risk factor for male infertility. Moringa oleifera oil extract is known to have cholesterol-lowering properties and a potential to treat obesity, while lycopene is a potent antioxidant. We hypothesize that Moringa or lycopene may improve male fertility markers in an animal model of diet-induced obesity. Male Albino rats (n = 60) were randomized to receive regular chow (RC) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks (n = 30 each). Animals in each arm were further randomized to receive gavage treatment with corn oil (vehicle), lycopene (10 mg/kg), or Moringa (400 mg/kg) for four weeks starting on week 9 (n = 10 each). Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks, and blood was collected to assess lipid profile, serum testosterone, and gonadotropin levels. The testes and epididymides were removed for sperm analysis, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and histopathological assessment. In comparison to their RC littermates, animals on HFD showed an increase in body weights, serum lipids, testosterone and gonadotrophin levels, testicular oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, as well as sperm abnormalities and disrupted testicular histology. Moringa or lycopene reduced body weight, improved oxidative stress, and male fertility markers in HFD-fed animals with lycopene exhibiting better anti-antioxidant and anti-lipidemic effects. Lycopene is superior to Moringa in improving male fertility parameters, possibly by attenuating oxidative stress.     

Sustained delivery of exogenous melatonin influences biomarkers of oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity in summer-stressed anestrous water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

High ambient temperature during summer in tropical and subtropical countries predisposes water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) to develop oxidative stress having antigonadotropic and antisteroidogenic actions. Melatonin is a regulator of seasonal reproduction in photoperiodic species and highly effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Therefore, a study was designed to evaluate the effect of sustained-release melatonin on biomarkers of oxidative stress i.e., the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). For the study, postpartum buffaloes diagnosed as summer anestrus (absence of overt signs of estrus, concurrent rectal examination, and RIA for serum progesterone) were grouped as treated (single subcutaneous injection of melatonin at 18 mg/50 kg body weight dissolved in sterilized corn oil as vehicle, n = 20) and untreated (subcutaneous sterilized corn oil, n = 8). Blood sampling for estimation of serum TAC and MDA (mmol/L) and NO (μmol/L) was carried out at 4 days of interval from 8 days before treatment till 28 days after treatment or for the ensuing entire cycle length. Results showed serum TAC concentration was higher in the treatment group with a significant (P < 0.05) increasing trend, whereas MDA and NO revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decline. Serum MDA and NO were higher in control compared with those of treatment group. Moreover, buffaloes in the treatment group showed 90% estrus induction with 18.06 ± 1.57 days mean interval from treatment to the onset of estrus. These results report that melatonin has a protective effect by elevating antioxidant status and reducing oxidative stress resulting in the induction of cyclicity in summer-stressed anestrous buffaloes.     

Serotonin synthesis inhibition by pre-treatment of p-CPA alters sleep-electrophysiology in an animal model of acute and chronic heat stress

The effects of pre-treatment of para-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA) on sleep–wake electroencephalograms (EEG) have been demonstrated in three age groups of rats subjected to heat stress. Each age group for both p-CPA pre-treated and untreated subjects was sub-divided into three groups: (i) acute heat stress—subjected to a single heat exposure for 4 h at 38 °C; (ii) chronic heat stress—exposed for 21 days daily for 1 h in the incubator at 38 °C; and (iii) handling control groups. Digital polygraphic sleep recordings were performed just after the heat exposure from acute stressed rats and on the 22nd day from chronic stressed rats. The analyses of results demonstrated that many changes associated with sleep-EEG (either in sleep–wake parameter or in EEG frequencies) due to acute and chronic heat stress were reversed (changes were analyzed; P<0.05 or better) in p-CPA pre-treated groups of rats. However, differential observations between acute and chronic heat stress groups of subjects were recorded, which are thought to have happened due to acclimatization of subjects to the hot environment. The results of present study supported the previous hypothesis about the significant involvement of serotonin in sleep–wake parameters and also demonstrated its participation in brain electrophysiological alterations in stressed conditions.     

A combination of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol or a combination of Mg and Zn are both able to reduce the adverse effects of lindane-poisoning on rat brain and liver

The purpose of this study, carried out on male Wistar rats, was to evaluate the beneficial effects of supplementation with ascorbic acid (Vit C) and α-tocopherol (Vit E) or with Mg and Zn upon lindane-induced damages in liver and brain. Under our experimental conditions, lindane poisoning (5 mg/kg body weight per day for 3 days) resulted in (1) an increased level of plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, (2) an increased activity of LDH, ALP, AST, ALT, (3) an oxidative stress in liver and brain as revealed by an increased level of lipids peroxidation (TBARS) and a decrease of glutathione-peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in liver and brain. In conclusion, both Vit C + E or Mg + Zn treatments display beneficial effects upon oxidative stress induced by lindane treatment in liver and brain.     

Fish Oil and Antipsychotic Drug Risperidone Modulate Oxidative Stress in PC12 Cell Membranes Through Regulation of Cytosolic Calcium Ion Release and Antioxidant System

Oxidative stress is a critical route of damage in various psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, although fish oil and risperidone (RISP) induce antioxidant effects in the human body. However, the mechanisms behind these effects remain elusive. We investigated the effects of fish oil and RISP in the PC12 cell line by evaluating Ca²⁺ mobilization, lipid peroxidation (LP) and antioxidant levels. PC12 cells were divided into eight flasks: control, fish oil, RISP, H₂O₂, fish oil + H₂O₂, RISP + H₂O₂, fish oil + RISP and fish oil + RISP + H₂O₂. Cells were incubated with fish oil and RISP for 24 and 48 h, respectively. Then, cells were exposed to H₂O₂ for 15 min before analysis. Ca²⁺ release and LP levels were higher in the H₂O₂ group than in the control, RISP and fish oil groups, although their levels were decreased by incubation of cells in fish oil and RISP. Glutathione peroxidase activity, reduced glutathione and vitamin C levels in the cells were lower in the H₂O₂ group than in the control, RISP and fish oil groups, although levels were higher in cells incubated with fish oil and RISP than in those in the H₂O₂ groups. In conclusion, these results indicate that RISP and fish oil induced protective effects on oxidative stress in PC12 cells by modulating cytosolic Ca²⁺ release and antioxidant levels.     

Protective effect of jasmonic acid and potassium against cadmium stress in peas (Pisum sativum L.)

A combination of mineral nutrients and plant growth regulators should be assessed to improve crop performance under various abiotic stresses. There is a need to include plant growth regulators in fertilization regime of various crops along with essential mineral nutrients, especially when they are irrigated with polluted water with higher levels of heavy metals. The performance of pea was evaluated under cadmium (Cd) stress coupled with potassium (K) and jasmonic acid (JA) supplementation. The Cd stress (50 μM) was applied to soil (sandy loam) grown pea plants as basal dose after a month of sowing. The control and stressed plants were then supplemented with K (5 M), JA (0.5 mM) and their collective application along with control as distilled water. Cd stress showed a marked reduction in growth pattern, however, the collective supplementation sufficiently improved the growth pattern of stressed peas plants as evidenced by improvement in shoot length (cm), root length (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area (cm²), plant fresh and dry weight (gm). Potassium application under Cd stress significantly enhanced internodal distance (cm) while the number of seeds per pod and relative water contents remained nonsignificant. The applied treatment (JA + K) under Cd stress prominently improved enzymatic activities, which were measured as nitrate reductase activity (NRA), nitrite reductase activity (NiRA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT). Cd stress impacted the biochemical profile by enhancing antioxidant capacity (AC), antioxidant activity (AA), total phenols (TP), while reducing total soluble protein (TSP), chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ‘b’ and carotenoids. The combined application of JA and K under Cd stress enhanced AC, AA, TP, Chl a and b, TSP and carotenoids. The results indicate that foliar application of JA and K efficiently negated the harmful effects of Cd stress on peas.     

Acute Restraint-Mediated Increases in Glutamate Levels in the Rat Brain: An In Vivo <Superscript>1</Superscript>H-MRS Study at 4.7 T

It is well known that a variety of stressors induces a significant alteration in various putative neurotransmitters in the mammalian CNS. However, relatively little attention has been paid on the alteration of central glutamate neurotransmission, which is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. The present study aimed to determine whether acute restraint stress induces the changes in neurotransmitter level, especially glutamate, in rat brain and to examine whether 1-h recovery time after the termination of stress can revert to its pre-stress state. In vivo ¹H-NMR spectra were acquired from the cerebral cortex and hippocampus (control: N = 10, stress: N = 10, stress + 1 h rest: N = 10) immediately or after 1 h rest from restraint stress. All in vivo proton spectra were automatically analyzed using LCModel. We found that acute restraint stress induced significant increase in glutamate concentrations in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus of rat. However, the level could not revert to its pre-stress state by the end of 1-h recovery period in cerebral cortex of rats. In addition, glutamine/glutamate ratio, which may function as an index of the glutamatergic neurotransmission, was significantly lower in the cerebral cortex of both stress and 1 h stress + 1 h recovery groups, as compared to control. Our finding may provide important evidence for altered glutamatergic activity after the stress and suggest a potential biochemical marker for eventual diagnosis and/or therapy monitoring in mood disorder.     

Dietary supplementation of Vitamin E protects heart tissue from exercise-induced oxidant stress

Exhaustive endurance exercise in adult female albino rats (C-Ex) increased the generation of free radicals (R ·) in the myocardium, probably through enhanced oxidative mechanisms. Free radical mediated lipid peroxidation measured in the form of tissue MDA content also increased in C-Ex animals, suggesting the exercise-induced oxidative stress in these animals. Dietary supplementation of Vit E, for a period of 60 days significantly increased Vit E incorporation into the serum and myocardium, more so in the myocardium. Vit E supplementation to exercising animals completely abolished the radical production. The protection of Vit E against oxidative stress appears to be not mediated through the improvement of antioxidant mechanisms by enzymes like SOD, catalase and Se-GSH Px. However the non Se-GSH Px, the enzyme involved in the reduction of endoperoxides increased significantly in control and Vit E fed animals in response to exercise. The protection of Vit E against exercise-induced oxidative stress was correlated with its multivarious activities like a) scavenger of free radicals; b) inhibition of lipoxygenases; and c) reduction of peroxides in association with lipoxygenases. These studies indicate that dietary supplementation of Vit E protects the animals from the possible oxidative damages of endurance exercise.     

Gastroprotective,hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects of thymol against the adverse effects of acetylsalicylic acid in rats: Biochemical and histopathological studies

Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) has been used for a long time as an antipyretic and analgesic. Nevertheless, aspirin use is associated with severe morbidity and death because of its detrimental impacts on several organs, including the liver, kidneys, and stomach. The current investigation sought to ascertain the influence of thymol in mitigating aspirin-mediated gastric and hepato-renal injury. This was done by 1) evaluating gastric juice volume and pH as well as pepsin and prostaglandin E2 level; 2) measuring serum biochemical parameters and proinflammatory cytokines; 3) determining tissue oxidant/antioxidant status, and 4) identifying a link with gastric, hepatic and renal histopathological changes. Forty-eight rats were segregated to six groups: normal control, Th100, Th200, ASA, Th100 + ASA, Th200 + ASA. Daily administration of aspirin (ASA, 150 mg/kg body weight) for 3 successive days induced a significant increase in gastric juice volume, pepsin activity, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase, and tissue malondialdehyde levels. In contrast, a significant reduction in gastric pH, prostaglandin E2, tissue non-enzymatic antioxidant (glutathione), and enzymatic antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) levels. These biochemical changes were accompanied by histological modifications that included changes to the normal gastric, hepatic, and renal architectures. Pretreatment and simultaneous oral treatment with thymol (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight) plus ASA significantly improved all biochemical and histological changes in a dose-dependent way. Thymol's antiinflammatory and antioxidative properties may contribute to its protective action. As a result, thymol may represent a promising medication for preventing aspirin-induced gastric, liver, and renal damage.     

Stress‐induced multiple organ damage in rats is ameliorated by the antioxidant and anxiolytic effects of regular exercise

Our aim was to investigate the effects of moderate load, regular swimming exercise on stress‐induced anxiety, and associated oxidative organ injury. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 48) were either kept sedentary or submitted to swimming exercise for 8 weeks. Rats were then divided as non‐stressed, acute stress, and chronic stress groups. After acute or chronic stress (electric foot shocks) applications, rats were placed on a holeboard and the exploratory behavior was recorded to assess the anxiety. Rats were decapitated after the stress application. Acute and chronic stress induction led to increased serum cortisol levels as compared to non‐stressed groups. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase levels that were elevated in sedentary rats with both stress exposures were lower in trained rats. Malondialdehyde levels and myeloperoxidase activity were increased in the cardiac muscle, liver, stomach, and brain of the stressed rats with a concomitant reduction in the glutathione levels, while stress‐induced changes in malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and glutathione levels were reversed in the trained animals. Exercise, which led to increased malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels in the skeletal muscle of the non‐stressed rats, also protected against stress‐induced oxidative damage. Regular exercise with its anxiolytic and antioxidant effects ameliorates stress‐induced oxidative organ damage by a neutrophil‐dependent mechanism. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The influence of inclusions of vitamin E and corn oil on semen traits of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Reported was an investigation of the effect of vitamin E (Vit.E) and corn oil on semen traits of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). From 8 to 20 wk of age, birds were raised on corn-based diets supplemented with corn oil (0 and 3%) and Vit.E (National Research Council (NRC) recommended 25mg/kg/day/dry matter and 150 mg/kg/day/dry matter) in a 2×2 factorial manner. The diet was supplemented with corn oil and Vit.E (E2C2) which provided additional n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of 20:4n-6 and 22:4n-6 in spermatozoa phospholipid. The left testes weights were increased (P<0.01) in groups that received Vit.E in the diet (3.95 and 4.12 g, respectively) (P=0.03) and combined testes weight was the greatest in E2C2 group (7.57g) (P=0.02). Semen volume increased throughout the experiment in the E2C2 group. E2C1 and E2C2 birds had the greatest (90.05% and 92.1%, respectively) live sperm percent by comparison with other groups. The susceptibility of semen to lipid peroxidation in vitro was increased in quail fed E1C1 and E1C2, but was reduced when 150 mg Vit.E kg/day/dry matter feed was provided in the diet. The amount of Vit.E in the seminal plasma of E1C1 and E1C2 groups was (P<0.01) less than that in the other two groups (E2C1 and E2C2). From this study, it may be concluded that increasing diet n-6/n-3 ratio can be beneficial for semen traits, however, this application increased sperm peroxidation sensitivity but it can be controlled by inclusion of antioxidant such as Vit.E (150 mg/kg/day/dry matter) to diet.     

Wuxal amino (Bio stimulant) improved growth and physiological performance of tomato plants under salinity stress through adaptive mechanisms and antioxidant potential

In the present study, ameliorative capabilities of wuxal amino (bio stimulant) under salt stress has been investigated through adaptive mechanisms and antioxidant potential in tomato plants. In the experiment, two different concentrations (2 cm L^-1 and 3 cm L^-1) of wuxal amino through foliar application and soil irrigation were applied to the salt (150 mM) treated tomato plants and then morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, secondary metabolites, oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activity were assessed at 60 days after planting. The results revealed that salt stress decreased the growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars and soluble protein whereas, content of proline, ascorbic acid, total phenols, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and the activity of antioxidant enzymes activity increased under salt stress. Moreover, Wuxal amino application through foliar or soil to salt stressed plants improved morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, total phenol and antioxidant enzymes activity. Interestingly, the deleterious impact of salinity on tomato plants were significantly reduced and it can be evident from reduced MDA and H₂O₂ levels. These responses varied with the mode (foliar or soil) of application of Wuxal amino under different concentrations (2 cm L^-1 and 3 cm L^-1). It was concluded that application of Wuxal amino (2 cm L^-1, foliar) and (3 cm L^-1; soil) proved best and could be commercially used as eco-friendly tool for the protection of tomato plants grown under salinity stress.     

Strigolactone and Methyl Jasmonate-Induced Antioxidant Defense and the Composition Alterations of Different Active Compounds in Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss Under Drought Stress

Strigolactone (SL) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) are one of the most important plant hormones that exert biological activity in plant responses to environmental stresses. Considering the undetected role of SL in drought tolerance and essential oil yield of medicinal plants as well as conceivable interaction among MeJA and SL, a factorial experiment was performed as a complete randomized design with three replications. Experimental factors including two irrigation regimes such as irrigation to 80% field capacity (control) and 40% field capacity (drought stress) and spraying treatments include MeJA (0 and 0.5 mM) and SL (0 and 10 μM) were applied. Treatment of plants with SL and MeJA resulted in higher tolerance to drought stress due to higher fresh and dry weights as well as lower electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, H₂O₂, total phenol content, total antioxidant activity and antioxidant power assay. The most important essential oil constituents of D. kotschyi included geranyl acetate (41.1–48.6%), α-pinene (16.2–18.9%), geranial (7.9–10.1%), limonene (5.5–7.0%), neral (3.5–4.1%), methyl geranate (2.3–3.3%) and geraniol (1–2.2%), the least of which was found in non-MeJA- and SL-treated plants under drought and the highest in MeJA- and SL-treated plants under drought stress. Drought tolerance of D. kotschyi became more intense and the amount of essential oil components of water stressed plants was the highest (99.2%) when these plant hormones were used together. These results suggest a cross-link between MeJA and SL in improving drought resistance and optimizing the production of essential oil of D. kotschyi.

     

The Neuroprotective Effect of Curcumin and Nigella sativa Oil Against Oxidative Stress in the Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy: A Comparison with Valproate

Oxidative stress has been implicated to play a role in epileptogenesis and pilocarpine-induced seizures. The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant effects of curcumin, Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and valproate on the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione and the activities of catalase, Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase in the hippocampus of pilocarpine-treated rats. The animal model of epilepsy was induced by pilocarpine and left for 22 days to establish the chronic phase of epilepsy. These animals were then treated with curcumin, NSO or valproate for 21 days. The data revealed evidence of oxidative stress in the hippocampus of pilocarpinized rats as indicated by the increased nitric oxide levels and the decreased glutathione levels and catalase activity. Moreover, a decrease in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity and an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity occurred in the hippocampus after pilocarpine. Treatment with curcumin, NSO or valproate ameliorated most of the changes induced by pilocarpine and restored Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in the hippocampus to control levels. This study reflects the promising anticonvulsant and potent antioxidant effects of curcumin and NSO in reducing oxidative stress, excitability and the induction of seizures in epileptic animals and improving some of the adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs.     

The effect of vitamin E and plant extract mixture composed of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and capsaicin on oxidative stress induced by high PUFA load in young pigs

The objective of our study was to determine the antioxidative potential of a plant extract (PE) mixture composed of carvacrol, capsicum oleoresin and cinnamaldehyde against high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-induced oxidative stress in young pigs. Thirty-two weaned castrated male crossbred pigs (BW 10.9 kg; n = 32) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (n = 8). The negative control diet (Cont) contained 17.2% energy from fat. Oxidative stress was induced in three of the four experimental groups with the inclusion of n-3 PUFA rich linseed oil. Linseed oil substituted wheat starch in the diet to elevate the amount of energy from fat to 34.1%. One of these diets served as a positive control (Oil), one was additionally supplemented with 271.2 mg/kg of PE mixture and one with 90.4 mg/kg α-tocopheryl acetate (Vit E). After 14 days of treatment, blood and urine were collected for the determination of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Lipid peroxidation was studied by plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, 24 h urinary MDA and F2-isoprostane (iPF2α-VI) excretion, total antioxidant status of plasma and glutathione peroxidase assays. Lymphocyte DNA fragmentation and 24 h urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine excretion were measured to determine DNA damage. Consumption of n-3 PUFA rich linseed oil increased the amount of MDA in plasma and urine, and induced DNA damage in lymphocytes, but did not elevate the amount of iPF2α-VI excreted in the urine. The supplementation with PE and with Vit E did not reduce MDA levels in plasma and urine, but it decreased the percentage of DNA damage in lymphocytes (P < 0.001). The PE reduced the urinary iPF2α-VI excretion in comparison to the Cont diet. The results show that PE and Vit E supplemented to pigs in concentrations of 271.2 mg/kg and 90.4 mg/kg, respectively, can effectively protect pig's blood lymphocytes against oxidative DNA damage, thus suggesting their potentially beneficial effects on the immune system under dietary-induced oxidative stress.     

Selenium and vitamin E ameliorate lead acetate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via suppression of oxidative stress,mRNA of heat shock proteins,and NF-kB production

BackgroundLead exposure results in a terrible rise in heat shock protein levels.ObjectiveThis research was conducted to look at the effects of lead poisoning on heat shock response, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in albino rats, as well as the power of selenium and vitamin E to resist lead toxic effects.MethodsEight groups of albino rats are used. Each group contained six rats where the first group represented the negative control, and the other groups were treated with olive oil, vitamin E, selenium, lead, (vitamin E + lead), (selenium + lead), and (vitamin E + selenium + lead). All the treatments lasted for 28 days. Then, the mRNA expression of interested heat shock proteins (HSP90, HSP70, and HSP60) was assessed. For oxidative stress disruption, we investigated nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants activity respectively in rat livers.Resultsour results revealed the synergetic protective effect of the combination of two antioxidants (vitamin E and selenium) against lead poising. This was clear in regulating HSPs expression, inflammatory markers, glucose, lipid profile, liver functions, and antioxidant enzymes more than the treatment with one antioxidant.ConclusionPb is a toxic material that can induce HSPs and inflammatory markers expression. Selenium and vitamin E can give excellent effects in ameliorating Pb toxicity when used together.